How to apply – 2024
  • Closing date for applications end of April 2024.
  • Interviews take place in June 2024 at the RHS, London.
  • Successful candidates commence the scheme in September 2024.
  • Go to the Application form
Contact

For more details please contact the
PGG Chairman.

E-mail: chairman@pgg.org.uk

Three Year Traineeship Programme In Horticultural Practices

The Professional Gardeners Guild Three Year Traineeship Programme In Horticultural Practices

For those seeking a career as a professional gardener/ horticulturist with the opportunity to gain practical skills in the workplace at three world class historic or botanic gardens, this could be the opportunity for you.

The scheme offers full time work experience, paying at least minimum wage with rented accommodation provided and bursary funding available to cover the costs of relocation and interviews at participating gardens and also the essential practical qualifications needed.

Requirements

Candidates require some previous horticultural experience as a volunteer or in paid employment. RHS qualifications will be an added advantage and need to demonstrate a strong commitment towards a career as a professional gardener and a willingness to move each year between gardens.

Candidates should also be able to support the physical demands of a very practical role and be prepared to work outside in all weathers.

Deadline end of April 2024

Applications for September 2024 need to be made before the closing date at the end of April 2024. Interviews take place in London in June 2024.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

In line with the Equality Act 2010 the PGG is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion, and in eliminating unlawful discrimination. Whilst the PGG does not employ its PGG Trainees directly, it is responsible for recruitment and for overseeing the Trainees during the three years they are on placement at each of their host gardens. The aim of the PGG Traineeship is to be truly representative and welcomes all sections of society to apply to participate in the PGG Traineeship.

Traineeship Programme Job Description

The traineeship came into being in 1995 and is now widely recognised within the sector as providing an excellent practical foundation on which to build a successful career in horticulture.

The scheme runs for three years, commencing in late August each year. During that time the trainee will spend a period of one year each at three different premier heritage gardens. It is important to note that these participating gardens are selected by the scheme administrator and not the trainee. 

Currently these gardens include Chatsworth, The Garden House, Sandringham and Highgrove, amongst others. As you are employed directly by each of the host gardens, the package offered will vary but will always include accommodation and at least, the national minimum wage for a full working week and in the region of 20 days annual leave plus statutory public holidays.

In each garden you will work as a regular member of the garden team and undertake a diverse range of hands on activities and develop a full range of craft skills.The opportunity to experience and practice those practical skills in three different work environments and with three different “house styles” is one of the strong points of the traineeship.

To complement the practical experience a number of off-site training sessions are offered to cover certificated courses such as chainsaw use, pesticide application and tractor driving. Trainees are also encouraged to attend other courses, study tours and seminars  and to generally pursue their own horticultural learning interests. In addition, throughout the traineeship you will be asked to keep a daily diary, take photos of work in progress and ultimately write interim garden reports and a final year report which will explore your horticultural experience including observations and possible solutions regarding effective garden management.

At a minimum applicants are required to have some previous horticultural experience, either as a volunteer or in paid employment, and be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in horticulture.

For further information please contact the PGG Chairman at chairman@pgg.org.uk.

Traineeship Application Form

Fill in the form below to submit your application for a PGG Traineeship.

    Name and address

    * Required fields

    Education

    Secondary school



    Further education



    Further Training and Qualifications


    Membership of Relevant Professional Organisations

    Interests and hobbies

    Employment

    Please provide details over the last ten years, including any unpaid or voluntary work, listing present or most recent em- ployer first. Any gaps in employment dates should be explained. If you have any particularly relevant experience dating beyond the last ten years, please include this.

    Please include Employers details, dates of employment, job title and description.

    If no employment history please enter 'None'

    Employment history*

    Suitability*

    (Please state clearly why you are applying for this Traineeship and outline your relevant skills and experience.)

    References

    Please give two references, one of which should be your previous or most recent employer and one horticultural.
    (Excluding members of your family).

    Reference #1

    May this Referee be contacted before interview? (†Please choose one)

    Reference #2

    May this Referee be contacted before interview? (†Please choose one)

    Previous applications

    Have you applied for the Professional Gardeners’ Guild Traineeship before? (†Please choose one)

    UK Driving Licence

    Do you hold a current U.K. Driving Licence? (†Please choose one)

    Applicants from outside the UK, Ireland and Common Travel Area

    Visit the UK Government Common Travel Area guidance website for more information.

    If you are resident outside of the UK, Ireland and CTA, do you have a current work permit covering the period of your possible employment? (†Please choose one)

    Declaration

    I declare the above information to be complete and true to the best of my knowledge. I have personally completed the Application Form.

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